Half a month later, Bacchus Empire made major personnel changes.
Governor Livius was assigned to Shield Wind Fortress, and Emperor Marius asked him to capture White Deer Fortress within one year to prove his innocence.
This is already a relatively severe punishment for a governor - it is both a demotion and a reduction in power.
Shield Wind Fortress is a purely military fortress with few residents. It relies on the empire for all supplies, and there is basically no opportunity to gain territory.
In order to achieve the goal of capturing White Deer Fortress within one year, this also makes it impossible for Livius to drink the blood of soldiers and eat empty wages. Instead, they must find ways to raise more soldiers and horses.
Governor Kairos will still serve as the marshal of the empire, but his current military direction is to eliminate the domestic rebels 'Demoxi·Augustus'.
However, Governor Justus was not affected and is still presiding over the reform policy of Emperor Marius.
Sarah has been searching for information in Bax recently, and she brought this information back to the lord.
Obviously, Kairos got the result he wanted, or in other words, got the result planned by the lord.
Since Bacchus Empire will only face Governor Livius, Li Ang is not worried at all.
White Deer Fortress is enough to hold it.
And Sarah brought back another strange news at the same time - Bacchus Empire was actually praising Li Ang's so-called great achievements, and the news was very impressive...
For example, some people say that he is an invincible general, has three heads and six arms, and can eat five children in one meal...
Some people also say that the soldiers he leads are all two-meter-tall demons, extremely powerful and cruel, capable of killing eight horses with one punch...
Some people say that he is extremely skilled and is the best swordsman in the world. He can use six giant swords at the same time and basically can kill anyone he wants...
Anyway, it's basically to get closer to the monster. The name 'Li Ang' can already stop children from crying at night in the territory of Bax.
Sarah congratulated the lord when she brought back these rumors - in her opinion, the lord's fame is the recognition of him by hostile countries...
Although I don't understand why Bacchus Empire spreads these rumors, the lord doesn't pay much attention to it - demonizing the generals of hostile countries is a normal behavior, and it is inevitable that they will turn into monsters if they spread rumors.
Count Oden used to be a monster-like existence in the eyes of enemy countries. Even before Li Ang saw Oden, he thought he was a rough and tough man, but who knew he was a skinny old man.
Although I don't know why such a small role like me can receive such treatment, it is not surprising. It is probably because I impressed the three governors of Bax.
But just when the lord thought he could live a rare peaceful time, unexpected changes came from inside the Lionheart Kingdom.
In the hottest season of mid-July, a large group of Lion Knight came to White Deer Fortress and surrounded the main building of White Deer Fortress.
The leader is Long River Town acting administrative officer Lord Malbert.
Lord Malbert is the eldest son of Duke Brennus, and Duke Brennus is the current Grand Commander of Lion Knight Order.
He brought a letter to Li Ang.
Along with the letter came a large box full of dinars.
The content of the letter is. "Li Ang Mr. Griffin, thank you for your contribution to the empire. The supplies you have provided to the empire have now been used in various battlefields in the empire. You helped Radiant Cross Knights and fought bravely for the safety of the empire. Your behavior should also be commended. For this reason, on behalf of the empire, I grant you the position of 'General Long River Town' and give you ten thousand dinars as a thank you for your outstanding contributions to the empire. I hope you will go well in Lion Territory, my friend."
The signature is "Bacchus Empire Emperor's handwriting, Gaius Marius".
This is a handwritten letter from Emperor Marius.
Even the entire text does not use condescending words such as "order" and "edict", but very equal language.
This is very rare...
What's even rarer is that position - General Long River Town, this is totally causing trouble!
"Lord Li Ang, I met a carriage on my way out, but after seeing my flag, the owner of the carriage ran away... I saw this letter and this box on the carriage. I'm sorry, but out of vigilance and curiosity, I read this letter. So now, you should probably explain, Emperor Marius, Bacchus Empire, why did you give you such a high reward?"
Lord Malbert said it quite politely and acted politely. He did not force his way in, but entered the Lord's Hall of Bailu Castle as a normal visit.
But the Lion Knights beside him were fully armed.
Moreover, these Lion Knight came from the direction of Wheat Fragrance Territory, but Li Ang and Amy did not receive the message from Wheat Fragrance Territory.
Obviously, Malbert did not stay at Wheat Fragrance Territory at all, and did not even reveal any purpose to the Wheat Fragrance Territory people. Instead, he directly led the Lion Knight people into White Deer Fortress in a rushing manner.
The emperor of the enemy country wrote a letter in his own hand, privately awarding Li Ang as a general, and the meaning of the letter was very clear, Li Ang had 'made outstanding contributions to the empire'...
Looking at this letter alone, it seems that Marius was expressing his gratitude to Li Ang, and Li Ang could understand that the 10,000 dinars were to thank him for promptly providing those carts of leather.
But the problem is that the content is too misleading.
And if you work as a volunteer for one night and provide a few trucks of leather goods, it won't be as serious as being a "general"...
Besides, there is also a problem with the place of delivery - this letter was not delivered to Wheat Fragrance Territory or White Deer Fortress at all.
This is obviously done deliberately by Emperor Marius.
If this letter was delivered directly to White Deer Fortress or Wheat Fragrance Territory without letting other lords see it, then there would be no problem. After all, what the letter said was actually true.
But this letter was deliberately placed in the hands of Lord Malbert.
This is obviously Emperor Marius's plan to alienate each other, and it's the kind that doesn't even contain a single lie...
I'm afraid anyone who reads this letter will think that Li Ang is treason!
After all, an emperor usually would not write a personal letter to frame a minor lord in order to alienate him. For an emperor, such a personal letter is rare, and if he does write it, it is to an important minister and friend like Justus.
Lord Malbert Although he usually just travels around and has fun and basically doesn't care about anything, if it involves treason, he will still take it seriously...
As a result, he has now personally visited White Deer Fortress to deliver this letter to Li Ang.
Coming with him were more than half of Lion Knight Order...
He didn't even seize the box of dinars.
"If I said this was Emperor Marius's plan to alienate each other, would you believe it?"
Li Ang reacted immediately when he saw the letter. The previous demonization of the Bacchus Empire in the country was probably in preparation for this letter.
But this is a yin and yang strategy, and it's hard to explain...
"I would like to believe it... but I don't understand why the emperor of Bax would deliberately target a baron like you - if it is targeting my father, I can understand it."
Malbert shook his head, with some sarcasm in his eyes.
Indeed.
Lord Grand Commander of the Lion Knight Order, Cliff Bay, and Duke Brennus, the most powerful Lionheart Kingdom at present, have not received this kind of treatment. Why should a little baron?
Why would Emperor Bax frame a young baron himself?
Li Ang sighed, "Okay, I know this is not easy to explain, so Mr. Malbert, what do you need me to do?"
"Lord Li Ang, I don't want to believe that you will treason. But you were named a general by Emperor Marius... This is not a low-level position! I think you should at least go to Lion City and explain it to His Majesty the King in person - this is also the reason why I brought Lion Knight Order. I have always treated you with courtesy. I hope you will not make things difficult for me."
Malbert did not seem to intend to embarrass Li Ang. Indeed, he had been treating each other politely and talked about things without any other emotions.
But the people in Lion Knight Order seem to be very wary.
Li Ang even saw the two leading knights wearing shackles - the order they received was probably not to let Li Ang defend himself, but to arrest the traitor...
It's just that Lion Knight all know Li Ang's skill and courage, and Lord Malbert definitely knows Li Ang's actual status in the eastern region, and they probably don't want to have a head-on conflict easily.
But even though the lord has the ability to speak like a lotus, he really can't defend himself right now...
"This is really slander! This letter is Bax's conspiracy! Malbert, you should understand that Li Ang is innocent!"
Amy was already sweating on his head and tried his best to explain to Malbert.
Lord Malbert shook his head. "Ms. Amy, you have helped Baron Li Ang handle government affairs in Aier County for so long. You should also understand that as a Long River Town government officer, I cannot turn a blind eye to this kind of thing. I also want to believe Baron Li Ang, but this is my duty, please don't block official duties..."
This is to put it very politely, Malbert does not seem to have any hostility.
Then, Malbert looked at the lord again. "Baron Li Ang, as far as I know, you did go to Bax's territory a few days ago, right?"
Li Ang's eyes narrowed. This guy is not traveling all day long, but has been observing the trends in the eastern region?
"Lord Malbert is really well-informed. I did go to Bax... Okay, I know I can't explain it. Can you wait for me outside for a while? I will explain the official business to Amy and then I will follow you..."
Li Ang made an inviting gesture toward the door.
Malbert nodded. "Baron Li Ang better hurry up, we will wait for you outside."
Afterwards, he left the main building with Lion Knights.
"Li Ang, are you really going to follow them? This is a trap of the empire, they just want you to leave the territory..."
Amy frowned tightly and stopped calling herself a teacher. She could realize the danger Li Ang was facing.
Because she knew that this was not a slander, that letter was true - Emperor Marius did it on purpose.
This is similar to the method used by Li Ang to make Baxian suspect the two governors by using two IOUs. It can be said that he is treating the other person with his own medicine.
"I have to go, otherwise I will really become a rebel...Lion Knight Order will not come to White Deer Fortress casually. The king's order certainly did not let him talk to me politely."
"Then, you... well... what should I do?"
Amy did not argue anymore, but directly asked about Li Ang's plan. She knew that it was useless to say anything else at this time, and it was only right to solve the problem first.
"Amy, let Ansen move everything from Wheat Fragrance Territory to White Deer Fortress, let Sir Roland guard White Deer Fortress, let Lesley gather the elites in the team to Lion City go. If... I mean if, if you hear someone spreading the news of my treason, then immediately light the fire of White Deer Fortress. Regardless of whether you see the enemy or not, you must insist that Bacchus Empire is attacking White Deer Fortress!"
Li Ang frowned and explained quickly.
"I understand. But if you go to Lion City with them alone, if you are framed..."
Amy nodded, but was quite anxious about Li Ang's safety.
"Risadiran will follow me... He will not put my life in danger. But you have to remember, don't trust anyone except Lord Godric! If Lord Godric is not present, don't let any other troops enter the city!"
Li Ang handed his sword to Amy: "Keep it safe for me, I will be back."
Amy took the sword helplessly. "Don't you bring a weapon?"
"It's useless to bring it, it will only cause trouble... Just give me the gunpowder bag, that might be more useful."
Li Ang hung the leather bag containing the gun powder on his body, took out a small sealed clay pot from the drawer, put it in his arms, and then walked out.
"Will King Ulrich take the opportunity to deal with you?"
Amy suddenly asked, his expression a little sad and his voice low.
Li Ang smiled, "Maybe, there will probably be those few dukes. My Wheat Fragrance Company is very valuable... Who doesn't want wealth?"
Amy nodded and said in a lower voice, "The king has a son named Alanric, who lives in Lion City Noble Council."
"Li Ang..."
Amy screamed pitifully from behind.
Li Ang Look back.
Amy gave him a gentle hug and kissed him on his helmet.
"Goddess's Kiss will bring good luck."
Li Ang smiled and nodded, turned around and opened the door.
"Baron Li Ang, can you leave? Do you want to bring some followers?"
Lord Malbert was waiting outside the door with a smile on his face.
"Let's go, I don't have any followers, so I don't need to take anyone else with me."
The lord looked back at White Deer Fortress's main building, casually took a Gatu Horse from the stable, and followed the Lion Knights directly out of the city.
In the shadow of the main building, a man in black carrying a bow and arrow quickly stepped out, left White Deer Fortress through the side secret door, and followed the lord in the forest next to the road, separated by a nearly 100-meter-wide wheat field.
This is Risadiran.
Eagle Claw Fortress.
This is the border castle located northeast of Lion Lake City, and further east is Gatu Grasslands.
This is Baron Cadelon territory.
This baron's family marriages are extremely extensive, and he has some indirect connections with many of the great nobles in the kingdom.
For example, Duke Alma is considered his brother-in-law - their wives are cousins;
Duke Brennus is his cousin-in-law;
Duke Elfwan's wife Madam Bella is his cousin;
There is also the deceased Baron Eldred, who is considered his brother-in-law - Renier's mother is his cousin.
This network of relationships covers more than half of the Lionheart Kingdom's high-ranking nobles.
This situation is very helpful to Baron Cadelon most of the time, and also allows him to obtain Eagle Claw Fortress's territory.
But in the troubled times of the Lionheart Kingdom, this kind of large-scale marriage may not be a good thing.
Duke Alma was involved in a heretic lawsuit due to Madam Bella, and Baron Eldred was killed for treason. As their relatives, Baron Cadelon will also encounter a lot of troubles.
For example, often called as a witness...
Since he is related to both Madam Bella and Duke Alma, he will definitely be often called for questioning by the king.
Baron Cadelon has been traveling back and forth during this period, running around for Duke Alma.
Now, Duke Alma is finally allowed to leave Lion City, and Kaidelen has finally returned to his own territory.
"Kaidelen, thanks for your help during this time, I will thank you."
Duke Alma looks a little weathered, but his eyes are still bright and bright.
He no longer wears the custom-made armor with the golden lion printed on it, but instead wears a set of Ranger equipment, which is the Rangers armor of Horn Summon Ranger Corps.
He was deprived of the privilege of using the golden lion as a decoration - he was no longer the First Duke of the Lionheart Kingdom.
This is the reason why he was able to get out of the lawsuit quickly. He promised not to try to get involved in Lion Knight Order again in exchange for Duke Brennus, who was responsible for investigating heresy issues, to quickly close the case.
Today's Alma will have no say in the selection of Lion Knight Order Grand Commander. And Duke Brennus will probably be able to sit in the position of Lion Knight Order Grand Commander until death.
And the one who was running between the two dukes to witness was Baron Cadelon.
"Sir, don't be too polite. You have to take care... look at it a bit. It's not a bad thing for children to have their own ideas when they grow up. At least Forster has shown the ability to inherit the family business."
Kaidelen persuaded Alma with sincere words.
Duke Alma shook his head slightly, his eyes a little lonely.
In the past few months, he had been involved in heresy and lost Long River Town, suffered the betrayal of his biological son Forster, and heard the news of the death of his illegitimate son Foucher...
He was also blackmailed by Duke Brennus and lost his influence in Lion Knight Order.
For an old man over sixty years old, he is considered extremely strong if he has not collapsed to the point of losing his mind.
"I will not let a person who framed my own father inherit the family business...Kaidelen, I hope you can support me, I want to take back everything that belongs to me!"
Alma gritted his teeth, with a cold light in his eyes. "I don't know what it means to admit defeat in this life!"
Kaidelen shook his head. "Sir, Lion Lake City's garrison, as well as the garrison you sent to Long River Town before, are currently in the hands of Forster, and Lion Lake City First Banner Guard is also under his control, which adds up to a military strength of 2,500 people. And you only have these dozens of followers now..."
"Hmph, do you think a grand duke only has this little strength? Lion Territory Crimson Brotherhood from several big cities will help me - that's at least a hundred rogue knights and countless manpower. And, as long as I can appear in Lion Lake City, who do you think would dare to attack me?"
Alma still seems to retain the fighting spirit and power of a lion.
But Kaidelen still shook his head. "Sir, it is easy for Crimson Brotherhood people to inquire about information or make some money, but it will be counterproductive in this kind of thing. You should understand..."
"Kaidelen, I don't expect people from the fraternity to appear directly in Lion Lake City. You should know that after I quit Lion Knight Order, I joined Horn Summon Ranger Corps... and now, Ranger Corps does not have Grand Commander."
Alma lowered his head and looked at the ranger armor on his body, then turned to look in the direction of Gatu Grasslands.
Kaidelen frowned and thought for a while, "Sir, you want to help Horn Summon Ranger Corps? But Ralph and Herriwold don't trust you very much..."
"I don't need their trust. Herriwold is old, and he is far away from Misty Marsh Fortress and can't interfere with me. It's enough to make Ralph obedient. If I want Ralph to be obedient, Crimson Brotherhood has many ways! My qualifications are enough to become Grand Commander of Horn Summon Ranger Corps!"
Alma got on his horse and looked at Kaidelen: "You will support me, right?"